Food Banks: How Universities are Failing to Feed Their Students

Story by Chantelle Cruzat-Whervin

Media by Vanessa Rogers, Mariyam Khaja, Brandon Patram

Local University food banks try to find a way to help students in need

 

University students across Canada are on a tight budget, having to juggle living expenses, tuition, and most importantly food.

For the past 25 years, Ryerson University has been running the Good Food Bank for the local community. There are currently 600 plus members who visit annually.

The Engineering and Architecture students make up 34.2 per cent of those members, connecting it to the fact that they pay one of the highest tuitions out of students and have an increased course load, the Good Food Bank reports.

“They’re skipping meals, passing out in the class.” Claire Davis, a worker at the Good Food Bank said in an interview courtesy of CBC,  “Really serious things that people who are 18 to 21 shouldn’t have to deal with.”

While starting an initiative such as the Good Food Bank for Ryerson students to find financial relief is beneficial, there have been many criticisms.

“I ordered a food box from there once, and it never came.” Kent Yacyshyn, a third year marketing student said, “ No one told me it wouldn’t come, and I never got a refund.”

The hours for the Good Food Bank is also limited making it harder for students to access food when needed. The hours range from 1 p.m to 6 p.m on Tuesdays and 1 p.m to 7 p.m on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

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How hunger is dealt at other schools

Ryerson isn’t the only school that has students worrying about where they are going to get their next meal, the University of Waterloo undergoes the same problem.

Nesifa A., a Legal service graduate student and member of the Waterloo Feds Student Food, said it was extremely beneficial for students.

“None of my friends have been vocal about using them, but I know students do often.” Nesifa A, said, “Even though it was university ran, not only did it help students, it helped families also.”

Residency meal plans don’t help struggling students

Meal plans for students who stay on residents may seem more logical, but it is just more expensive.

The meal plans students are forced to pay within their tuition only adds to the problem of emptying students pockets for overpriced food.

“There’s no options,” Aly Atallah, a second-year said. “If there are they’re way too expensive.”

FROM SOCIAL MEDIA